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Knee problems – Popping, Grinding and Locking

Popping, grinding and
locking can be associated with knee problems. If the knee shows popping sounds,
then there is something wrong with it and needs immediate medical attention.
The fact is popping sound may naturally occur due to joint movements. Even
slight misalignment of the patella (knee cap) or movements related to ligaments
occurring across joints may cause popping of the knee. If pain is accompanied
with the sound, then it is definitely reason for concern. Locking and grinding
are termed to be better indicators of knee related physiological disorder.
However, in such cases, pain factor is important.

Locking

While playing any game,
the person may feel inability to kneel down or flex his leg or to straighten
the leg. If this takes place, then locking is experienced that can be extremely
painful. Two types generally take place, namely:

True
locking: It is caused due to physiological problems faced in the knee. Thus the
knee is unable to extend or bend and becomes rigid. It occurs due to bone
fragment or torn cartilage getting jammed between the joint surfaces, thus
restricting knee joint movement. If the thigh’s interior muscles get fragile
and weak or tightening of the outer muscles, then the knee cap alignment may be
thrown off, thus leading to locking.

Pseudo
locking: it is reaction to pain as well as functions such as kill switch where
knee gets locked into position if there is excessive tension in the region.It is possible to treat
locking with adequate resting. But for true locking, it is only orthopedic
surgery at the best knee
replacement hospital in India that can
remove loose cartilage or bone.

Grinding

If there is occurred
cartilage degeneration of knee joint bones, thus grinding together will mean
extreme pain. It is due to rheumatoid arthritis that generally takes place in
people under the age of 50. Rheumatoid arthritis may also cause degeneration
and hence, the grinding sound and subsequent pain. Cartilage degeneration may
also be caused due to patella tendonitis, resulting in grinding sound. This
ailment is faced mainly by athletes. It is possible to reverse this
degeneration. Doing knee exercises and resting can help strengthen quadriceps
muscles, thus helping the knee to get back to normalcy.

Popping

Popping sound is found to be perfectly normal,
unless it is accompanied with extreme pain. But if pain is felt, then it can be
an indicator of tearing of ACL (anterior cruciate ligament). It could be that
ACL had got torn into 2 pieces or partial rip experienced. The type of
treatment to be provided will entirely depend upon the damage extent cause.
Partial tears will require the person to refrain from doing physical activities
until the injury gets healed completely. Popping sound